From the Potomac Headwaters to the Chesapeake Bay

 

Stream Scholars

Summer Camp 2016

July 18-22

 

Other Years: 2003  2004  2005   2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015

 
The 14th annual Stream Scholars Summer Camp 2016 had the largest enrollment yet, with 13 campers joining us for the week of exploration and adventure.  The Stream Scholars learned stream science on streams and rivers large and small, met local outdoor enthusiasts (professionals and conservationists), canoed the Cacapon River, toured the Capital in Washington DC, camped beside the lower Potomac River, hiked along the Rappahanock and toured George Washington's birthplace. Most importantly - Scholars learned that they can both enjoy and protect our environment at the same time.
On Monday, the Scholars learned the basics of Save Our Streams stream sampling protocols at the Poor Houser Farm near Martinsburg, WV.  These methods are used by citizen scientists throughout the state of West Virginia. Tuscarora Creek was the first of several streams that they would be measuring water quality in throughout the week.  Suzy Campbell, of the West Virginia Conservation Agency, joined us on Monday  and stayed for the whole week. 

It was a great day to have a shelter, as a remarkably violent thunderstorm sent the Scholars running for cover.

On Tuesday, the Scholars travelled across county lines to visit Cacapon Institute’s lab and office in the town of Great Cacapon. From there they traveled west to sample Constant Run which, during this very dry month, had just enough stream flow for them to sample.  Afterwards, the Scholars canoed on the Cacapon River near the River Ridge community, which kindly allowed us access to the river and shared a few of their kayaks.  Mike Dudash of Eagle Aquatics ably led the trip and provided the canoes.
Wednesday started early for the Stream Scholars! They met at Poor House Farm at 8:30 a.m. and then travelled to Washington DC for a brief visit to the Natural History Museum, a hike across town to the Capital, where they met with the staff of Senator Capito who then took them on a tour of the Capital.  Then it was back into the vans for the trip to Virginia's Westmoreland State Park, along the banks of the lower Potomac River.  They set up camp and we cooked the traditional hobo stew before going to bed after a very long day. 
On Thursday, the Scholars woke up to a quick breakfast, and then it was off to a paleo tour at Stratford Hall, home of the Lees of Virginia.  Everyone found sharks teeth, and a few found fossil whale bone.  Later they took a tour of George Washington's birthplace along the shores of the lower Potomac River.   Then, after lunch, they sampled in Popes Creek, a tidally influenced stream where, once upon a time, ocean going vessels docked to offload their cargo from Europe and load the tobacco and other crops grown in Virginia for the return trip to England. After dinner that night, the campers had the treat of hearing stories from two master Virginia story tellers. 
Friday was yet another busy day.  After an early breakfast, we were off to the Nature Conservancy's Voorhees Nature Preserve for a long hike along the shores of the Rappahannock River.  This was followed by lunch, a tour of Westmoreland Berry Farm and then the long ride back to West Virginia. 
On behalf of our Stream Scholars, Cacapon Institute and our members and Board of Directors extend a special thanks to the West Virginia Conservation Agency for allowing Suzy Campbell to help us all week, River Ridge Homeowners Association, Eagle Aquatics, and all the guides, speakers, and educators who shared how they protect rivers and watersheds.  We also wish to thank CI’s supporters who make our important work possible especially our members, The USDA-Forest Service, The Evenor Armington Fund, Finley’s Green Leap Forward, and Stutzman Chevrolet-Cadillac.”  Your efforts have given our Stream Scholars life-long memories and the understanding that each and every one of them can make a difference in their community and on this planet. Thank you!

 

 

 

Cacapon Institute - From the Cacapon to the Potomac to the Chesapeake Bay, we protect rivers and watersheds using science and education.

Cacapon Institute
PO Box 68
High View, WV 26808
304-856-1385 (tele)
304-856-1386 (fax)
Click here to send us an email
Frank Rodgers,  Executive Director

Website  made possible by funding from The Norcross Wildlife Foundation,  the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Virginia Environmental Endowment, NOAA-BWET, USEPA, The MARPAT Foundation, and our generous members.